The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stressed that they’re taking stricter security protocols at all ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venues following consecutive pitch invasions in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The first security breach happened at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the Group A match between New Zealand and Bangladesh. A spectator ran onto the field to hug New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra. Security staff quickly apprehended the intruder, who was subsequently arrested and received a ban from all cricket stadiums.
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A second incident occurred at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore when a pitch invader disrupted Afghanistan’s victory celebrations upon beating England on Wednesday night. While the festive atmosphere continued, this breach highlighted existing security vulnerabilities.
These back-to-back pitch invasions during the marquee tournament have placed significant pressure on the PCB. The board has now committed to enhanced security measures to protect players, officials and spectators for the remainder of the ICC tournament.
During the incident involving Ravindra, the individual, reportedly carrying a photograph of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan leader Saad Rizvi, managed to evade security at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground, before being apprehended.
“The PCB has taken serious note of the security breach that occurred yesterday when a spectator entered the field of play. Ensuring the safety of players and officials remains our top priority. As a responsible organisation, we have engaged with local security agencies, who have committed to increasing security personnel around the field of play at all venues and strengthening access control measures,” PCB said in a statement after the incident.
“The individual involved was arrested and presented before a court of law today (Tuesday). In addition, he has been permanently banned from entering all cricket venues in Pakistan,” the statement added.
“To prevent such incidents in the future, the PCB is working closely with security agencies and venue authorities to review and reinforce security protocols,” it continued.
The security breach has created concerns for the PCB, with Pakistan serving as host nation for a major ICC event for the first time since the 1996 World Cup.
